Monthly Archives: January 2012

Why a Strong Military?

By admin | Published: January 31, 2012

File this under the “Founding Fathers hit the nail on the head” category. From Federalist No. 23 by Alexander Hamilton (he who graces the $10 bill). The principal purposes to be answered by union are these– the common defense of the members; the preservation of the public peace as well against internal convulsions as external […]

Posted in US Historical Documents | Leave a comment

New Blog Devoted to Improved Brief Writing

By admin | Published: January 31, 2012

An Illinois Appellate Attorney has launched a new blog devoted to improving legal writing quality across the board. And his two tips are excellent starting points for any appellate attorney or appellate attorney want-to-be.

Posted in Legal Writing | Leave a comment

Make Sure Your Content Is Relevant…

By admin | Published: January 31, 2012

Much of what I do, right now, is in the employment law field. This caution, therefore, hits somewhat close to home. For those of us who like to write and research, always, always make sure you include only relevant content in your filings. According to this story from the American Bar Association, a federal judge […]

Posted in Legal Writing, Trial Courts | Leave a comment

Maxim of the Week

By admin | Published: January 9, 2012

The practice of adding and annulling laws is a most dangerous one. (“Leges figendi et refigendi consuetudo est periculosissima.”)

Posted in General, Legal Maxims | Leave a comment

Are Dog “Sniff Tests” of Homes Searches?

By admin | Published: January 9, 2012

The State of Florida recently filed a Petition for Writ of Certiorari with the United States Supreme Court in the case of Jardines v. State of Florida. The Writ comes after the Florida Supreme Court determined that a search of Mr. Jardines’ residences predicated on a “positive” hit from a narcotics dog violated the United […]

Posted in Constitutional Law, Criminal law, Fourth Amendment | Leave a comment

Maxim of the Week

By admin | Published: January 2, 2012

Whatever is subject to the authority of a judge is not subject to innovation. (Quicquid judicis auctoritati subjicitur, novitati non subjicitur)

Posted in Jurisprudence, Legal Maxims | Leave a comment